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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
While many explanations have been said it seems to me that the following one has merit as well. There is a difference between the power that one has to decide something and the power he has to carry it out. Theoretically, these two powers are directly connected, as that which one wants, he carries out. However, in practice, there can be quite a distance between what one decides and what one does, as some good things remain a good wish and no more. Execution requires effort, sacrificing comfort, and overcoming difficulties, which are harder than just wanting something.
We remember well the days of the struggle against the British Mandate before the State of Israel was established. It was a very, very difficult struggle and included a tremendous amount of discomfort. However, the Jewish community stood up to the challenges in a very impressive way. The important thing to us was reaching the goal of statehood. In contrast, since the time we achieved independence, we often see laxness under pressure and a weakening of resolve, causing many goals to remain unachieved. It is not that it is impossible to achieve what we want, but that we have lost some of our stubbornness. What is behind the change?
The biggest difference is that then, as we used to like to say, we had a secret weapon called ein bereira (there is no alternative). As they used to say in the Navardok Yeshiva: "When you can’t do something, you have to do it; and when you have to, then you can do it."
The same thing is true regarding the giving of the Torah. The saying of na’aseh v’nishma was fully sincere, but expressed only proper good will. However, Hashem knew human nature and knew that before too long Bnei Yisrael would be dancing around a Golden Calf, because there is a big distance between deciding and succeeding to carry out. It is easier to dance around a Calf than to "’kill oneself’ in the tent [of Torah]." It takes Divine Assistance, and that is what Hashem provided with a little bit of coercion, in the form of a "mountain over their heads." He showed them that it is not only their desire to accept the Torah but that there is no other way. The entire existence of the Nation of Israel depends upon the extent to which they keep the Torah. This feeling of no alternative is what allows the good will to triumph in practice.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts